Did General Eisenhower Deserve to be Promoted So Quickly and to Such High Ranks?

General Dwight D. Eisenhower's rapid promotion during his tenure serves as a unique case study in the rapid expansion and restructuring of military organizations. Understanding the context of his promotions, whether warranted or not, provides a deeper insight into the wartime experiences and military systems of the mid-20th century.

The System of Temporary Ranks

The rapid promotion of capable individuals is an inevitable consequence of expanding a military organization. One can observe this trend in the U.S. Army, which expanded from several hundred thousand to several million against the backdrop of significant wartime operations. The mechanism for these promotions was often through the use of "temporary" ranks like those in the Army of the United States (AUS) as opposed to the Regular Army (RA).

The U.S. military system, designed with foresight for such expansions, would revert to permanent ranks as conflicts concluded, and as the military shrank. An example of this was the renowned General George Armstrong Custer, who served as a general during the Civil War but reverted to Lieutenant Colonel at the conclusion of the conflict. This complex structure was far from ideal but was employed as a necessity during critical times.

Revisiting Eisenhower's Promotions

It is important to clarify that Eisenhower was not promoted quickly in the Regular U.S. Army. He was, in fact, promoted somewhat late to several ranks, including Major and Lieutenant Colonel. His rapid promotions occurred within the Army of the United States, the wartime organization established in February 1941. This was a period of unprecedented expansion and resourcefulness, necessitating a more flexible hierarchy.

Civilian to Colonel in Record Time

One notable example of rapid promotion was that of the actor Jimmy Stewart. Stewart went from a private enlistee in March 1941, less than three weeks after winning his first Oscar, to full colonel by 1944. This dramatic rise underscores the widespread nature of such promotions during wartime.

There were more bureaucratized aspects to Eisenhower's career, particularly during his short stint as a lieutenant colonel while planning the invasion of Sicily in 1943. According to Dwight Eisenhower’s son, Eisenhower was concerned about his pending mandatory retirement, as he was close to the limit of years since commissioning (28 years). He mentioned this concern to General Marshall, who had to reassure him that he would pass the promotion board. The disparity between these ranks highlights the temporary nature of wartime promotions and the fluidity of rank structures.

Ike’s Unprecedented Achievements

General Eisenhower remains the first modern American general and the smartest general to ever grace the Long Grey Line. His appointments and promotions were significant, occurring largely during a period of peacetime Army when he worked under some of the best middle command generals. His impressive work caught the eye of General Douglas MacArthur, who appointed him as his Chief of Staff. Typically, a 4-star general's Chief of Staff would be a Brigadier General, not a Lieutenant Colonel. This appointment was a testament to Eisenhower's exceptional skills and abilities.

Interestingly, Eisenhower held the rank of brevet lieutenant colonel as a captain. This unique rank allowed him the opportunity to prove his capabilities without risking his career. Throughout his career, whatever task Eisenhower worked on, whether major or minor, was performed to an unprecedented level.

Adapting to Change

During his tenure, the U.S. military underwent significant changes in doctrine, command philosophy, and embraced new roles for generals, including political tasks. Eisenhower's career spanned this transformation, making him a pivotal figure in modern military strategy. His innovative approach and willingness to take on diverse responsibilities contributed to his success.

Truly extraordinary was his willingness and ability to move around the Army, taking on the next project with the same level of dedication and innovation. It is unlikely that another general like Eisenhower will emerge in the future, as the highly skilled individuals who once held such positions do not commonly pursue military education at the academic level anymore.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, General Eisenhower's rapid promotions highlight the unique circumstances and demands of war. His success and adaptability set him apart as a pivotal figure in the evolution of American military leadership. While the mechanisms of promotion may have been fluid and temporary, Eisenhower's achievements and influence remain significant in military history.